| name: | Barium Swallow |
| also known as: | Upper GI Series; Upper Gastrointestinal Series; Barium X-ray Study |
| also see: | Barium Enema; Endoscopy; Upper GI Endoscopy |
| description: | Barium is a white radio-opaque compound that does not let x-rays penetrate it very well. Once the barium coats the inside lining of the digestive tract, an x-ray reveals a clear picture. A barium swallow is a diagnostic imaging study designed to detect abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Such abnormalities might include tumor, cancer, ulcer, stricture, narrowing, and motility dysfunction. A barium swallow is primarily designed for the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestines, called the duodenum. A small bowel run through can also be performed, which includes following the barium as it transits through the small intestines. The large intestine, colon and rectum can be imaged with a barium enema. |
| diagnosis: | A barium swallow might help detect esophagus, heartburn, stomach cancer, gastric erosion, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, hiatal hernia, and small intestine tumor. |
| treatment: | The person is often instructed to eat a clear liquid diet for one day, then fast overnight so the study can be performed on an empty stomach. The barium is swallowed and as it travels down the digestive tract, a machine called a fluoroscope converts x-rays into light seen on a monitor. At any time, the radiology doctor can make a hard copy of selected images seen on the screen. A barium swallow excluding the small intestine takes about 15-30 minutes; if a small intestine run through is performed, it can take several more hours. |
| outcome: | Barium swallow gives useful diagnostic information. Complication are unusual and include constipation. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If the person develops constipation after a barium swallow, they should call the doctor, drink plenty of fluids, eat a high fiber diet, and |
| go to: | Go to the pharmacy for a laxative. |
Last updated 8/19/2008